What is the European Truck Platooning Challenge?

The European Truck Platooning Challenge is being organised by the Netherlands to promote platooning by bringing truck convoys to public roads for the first time. The Challenge is the first cross-border initiative with smart trucks in Europe – and indeed worldwide.

Six European truck manufacturers will bring platoons of semi-automated trucks on public roads, crossing borders from various European cities in order to reach their final destination of the Port of Rotterdam on 6 April.

The project, initiated by the Dutch EU Presidency, fosters European cooperation between truck manufacturers, member states, logistics service providers, road operators, road and vehicle approval authorities, research institutes and governments. Such cooperation on platooning is vital to prevent countries from creating a patchwork of rules and regulations, which could hinder manufacturers and road users from investing in automated and connected vehicles.

Platooning will help the European truck industry to strengthen its technical leadership and global competitiveness. ACEA and its commercial vehicle members – DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, Iveco, MAN Truck & Bus, Scania and Volvo Group – are therefore actively supporting and participating in the European Truck Platooning Challenge.